Improvement in cradles



2 Sheets-Sheet 1.

W. V. & N. W. VAN DERVORT.

- CRADLE No, 170,413 Patented Nov. 23, 1875.

ZSheetS-Sh'eetZ. W. V. & N. W. VAN DERVORT;

CRADLE.

Patented Nov. 23,1875.

5 I ituessess ".PErERS, PHOTO-LITHOGRAFNER, WASHINGTON. D C.

WILLIAM .v. VAN DERVORT m) NrcHoL'A sI w VAN nnnvonnonnaw.

PATENT OFF CE.

ANTIOOH, OHIO.

IMPROVEMENT m CRADLESQ Specification forming part'of Letters Patent No. 170,4 [8, dated November 23, 1875; application filed d July 15, 1875.

full, clear, and exact description of the inven-.

tion, such as. will enable others skilled in the art to which it pertains to make and use it, reference being had to the accompanying drawings,which form part of this specification, in which- Figure 1 is a perspective view of our invention; are vertical transverse sections.

This invention has relation to automatic cradles; and consists in the novel construction, combination, and arrangement of parts, having reference particularly to, first, the means of attaching the cradle-body to the base, upon which it rocks, whereby its motion is limited, and whereby, when desired, the cradle may be operated by treadle-power; second, the means of adjusting, automatically, the leverage through which motion is imparted to the cradle, so as to counteract the tendency of the latter to stop when the occupant is at one side; third, the cushioning-springs, so arranged as to destroy the shock which the tilting of the cradle from side to side tends to produce; fourth, themeans of imparting vibratory motion to the cradle from suitable clock-work mechanism.

'Referrin g to the accompanying drawings, A designates the tilting cradle-body, and B a rectangular base, upon the transverse bars 12 of which the cradle rocks, being for such purpose provided with rockers G O. The bars b have flanges b on their outer edges, to guide the rockers and prevent the longitudinal movement of the cradle. D D are intersecting levers, attached, respectively, at one end to the rockers, and at the other to the frame or base B. These levers serve to limit the tilt of the cradle, and to retain it in its proper position upon the bars b. The lever D is prolonged and extended through a slot in the side of the base B, and holds a stirrup, E, by which the foot may be applied to rock the cradle a Fig. 2 is an end view. Figs. 3 and 4 downward pressure causing the cradle to rock toward the operator,-and the release of pressure allowing it to rock to the other side. F represents the ballast or counter-balance, attached to the end of the cradle, near the top edge, and made vertically adjustable by means of a set-screw or other suitable device, f. The object of this weight is to overcome that of the occupant, such an expedient being rendered necessary in consequence of the application of the leverage to the cradle near its center. By adjusting the weight F the motion of the cradle may be conveniently regulated. G designates a case containing the cradle-motor, from which power is transmitted, through the crank c and connected pitman 6 to a rock-beam, 0 from the short arm of which rises a stem, g, holding a spool, g. H is a cord, wound once around said spool, and having its ends attached to springs I, which are fastened at one endto the cradle, as shown.

When the motor is at work the stem g vibrates, and, through its connections with the cradle, rocks the same. The proper or normal position of the spool is midway between the ends of the cord; but should the child occupyin g the cradle lie more to one side than the other the tension thus brought to bear upon the cord will shift the spool, and thus compensate in leverage for the variation in the position of the weight. The springs I'I serve as cushions to prevent the shock occasioned by the cradle being suddenly arrested in its motion from side to side. The motor Gr requires uo specific description, being of any ordinary or suitable character. a hook, pivoted to the base B, and engaging with an eye, m, in the side of the cradle, for the purpose of holding the latter from rocking, when desired.

Having fully described our invention, we claim.

1. In combination with thecradle A, having the arms D D pivoted to the rockers and base, and intersecting the treadle, formed of an extension of the arm D, substantially as shown and described. I

2. In combination with a cradle rocked by automatic mechanism, the lever g, cord H,

M designates 3. In combination with a cradle and automatic mechanism for rocking the same, an interm ediate regulator to automaticallyadj ust the rocking-lever to the position of thecradlc.

as the latter is varied by the motioniof the child, substantially as described.

4. The springs I and connection H,i n combination with the cradle A and the cradle=motor Gr, substantially as described.

' amlspool g, for regulatingthetlenenage a c- 1 .5. .illheicombination..with,-thc.cnadle A and rdin h PQ it f theradl semina -n1 substantially as described.

motor- .G, o'flthe cord" H, spoolg, stem g. rockbeam 0 pitman e, and crank c, substantially as specified.

In testimony that we claim the foregoing.

we. have hercun toset our hands this 28th day of June,1875.

*WILLIAM V. VAN DERVORT.

NICHOLAS W. VAN DERVORT. Witnesses:

J. M. RANNELLS, S. H. RULON. 

